The Power Of Endorphins

- The “Feel Good” Molecules
- Low Levels Cause Depression And Fatigue
by Royce Bailey M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.C.

Endorphins Work On Morphine/Opiate Receptors

Endorphins are best known to those who exercise a lot, because it causes a sense of euphoria or “Runners High” from their release. Endorphins are polypeptides containing 30 amino acid units that bind to opiate receptors in the brain and can elicit feeling of euphoria, appetite modulation, hormone release and have pain-relieving properties. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that interact with morphine receptor neurons to reduce pain. In chronic pain disorders, endorphins are found in high numbers.

Three Types Of Endorphins

There are three types of endorphins: beta endorphins, found primarily in the pituitary gland of the brain; enkephalins and dynorphins, both distributed through out the nervous system but, are mainly located in brain areas. Dynorphin and enkephalin peptides regulate extrapyramidal motor function, cardiovascular and water balance systems, eating, signal processing and pain reception.

Effects Of Endorphins

Endorphins are produced in response to stress/pain (exercise is perceived as stress by the body) and they produce key effects on the body/mind: they enhance the immune system, they relieve pain, tension, anger, confusion and anxiety, they improve appetite control, they reduce stress and they postpone the aging process. Endorphins are released by the anterior pituitary and from lymphocytes directly into inflamed tissue in response to stress and pain. Endorphins are also involved in the regulation of the female menstrual cycle, as well as influencing the response of numerous hormones, including growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), prolactin, catecholamines, cortisol and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Do You Have A High Or Low Pain Threshold?

Some people appear to be genetically deficient or don’t produce as much endorphin as others. This can make these deficient people more susceptible to pain. Thus, we have people who have high or low pain thresholds, probably from their endorphin production ability.

Exercise And Endorphins

Prolong exercise raises endorphin levels and trained individuals degrade endorphins more slowly than untrained individuals. This can explain why exercise training can cause a greater tolerance for extended exercise and pain. That’s why I say, “You’ll rust out before you wear out.”

Chronic Pain

Endorphins are known to block pain receptors and are released by immune cells in response to a stressful/painful event. Endorphins become deficient if pain is constant and unrelenting. Endorphins are stored in your adrenal glands. Another reason for chronic pain is your body may become tolerant to its own endorphins and this may cause pain levels to increase. Taurine, an essential amino acid found in beans and seeds, helps inhibit the development of tolerance to opioid peptides. It is found in most nuts.

During early inflammation/pain (six hours), all three endorphins are activated and blocked different receptors for the perception of pain. At later stages (four days), pain receptor blockade is produced predominately by beta endorphin, acting at peripheral receptors influencing pain perception.

Sugar And Low Endorphins

Sugar consumption is known to precipitate or worsen major depression. Some researchers believe that a high sugar intake in the diet correlates with low levels of beta endorphins, leading to depression.

Weight And Endorphins

The release of endorphin neuropeptides decrease your appetite via the hypothalamus in your brain. The hormone leptin, which is involved in the regulation of fat intake, is a direct target for endorphin interaction. Beta endorphins are required for the normal regulation of your appetite and satiety. Endorphins are also required for a favorable regulation of your energy use (weight homeostasis).

Depression And Low Levels Of Endorphins

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, an is present in bananas, but one of the highest is in almonds. D-phenylalanine has an analgesic action and has been shown to be associated with brain chemicals relating to pain sensation. D-phenylalanine is an inhibitor of the endorphin degrading enzyme-enkephalinase; thus increasing the available endorphin to the body. DL-phenylalanine is a mixture of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine. All forms (D, L, DL) are required as an essential amino acid and have been tested in depression with favorable results.

Phenylalanine is a building block for various proteins and the L form is used in the production of neurotransmitters such as L-dopa (aspartame can be a neuro toxin blocking these neurotransmitters avoid Nutrasweet® and Equal®); epinephrine, norepinephrine and the making of phenylethylamine, a naturally occurring substance in the brain the causes mood elevation. The D-form has been found to help stabilize Parkinsonism.

Amino Acids And Endorphin Production

Endorphins are formed mainly from the essential amino acid protein tyrosine. Tyrosine is found in bananas, avocado, seeds, and beans. Tyrosine serves as a precursor also of epinephrine, thyroxine and melanin. Insulin causes active transport of many of the amino acids into the cells. Among the essential amino acids most strongly transported by insulin and growth hormone are valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine. So to get insulin to work properly we need to exercise. Thus, exercising increases the endorphin release and the absorption of the essential amino acids into the body which increases endorphins.

Memory And Endorphins

Those with higher endorphin levels learned better and remembered what they have learned longer.

How To Stimulate Your Endorphin Production

So why have I told you all this? Because of the simple God given ways to feel better and improve your life on this earth. So what stimulates endorphins? Exercise, nutrition, sunshine, uplifting music, massage and chiropractic, acupuncture, local electrical stimulation (TENS unit), hydrotherapy (including hot and cold fominations, Jacuzzi, daily baths and sauna use) and mediation/prayer.

References:

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Sabelli, H.C., “Clinical Studies On The Phenylethylamine Hypothesis Of Affective Disorder: Urine And Blood Phenylacetic Acid And Phenylalanine Dietary Supplements,” J. Clin Psych 1986;47:660-70.

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